Worth Your Time

Today’s episode of “Worth Your Time” is a real treat. I was honored when writer Shannan Martin agreed to speak with me, after becoming a HUGE fan of her writing. Her two books — both incredible and worth buying — are “Falling Free: Rescued From the Life I Always Wanted” and “The Ministry of Ordinary Places” will convict you to your core the moment you crack them open. Shannan’s story of building the life she wanted, complete with monetary security, good jobs, a great home, neighborhood and friends was turned upside down when she her husband Corey tuned into God’s call on their lives. Shannan says: It’s worth looking at the world through the lens of Jesus, that we can see beauty in hard places and we can see interruptions as our redemption. They did a 180, moving to a place they never expected with their three children and striking up relationships with the most unlikely folks. They also ended up adopting their 4th child, a 19-year-old named Robert who brought unexpected blessing and joy to their new lives. Shannan’s life is one example of how we can live a bit more like Jesus did here on earth. It’s a life that includes less money, lots of interruptions, reams of grace, humility you never thought you could muster and a true dependence on God for whatever may come with each day. I was just as inspired and moved by hearing her in real life as I have been reading the words in her books. She’s got plenty to teach us all, but you can tell she doesn’t hold herself in any kind of high regard. She’s just listening to God and trying to love the people around her. It really is that simple. What we talked about: * Falling Free* The Ministry of Ordinary Places* Glorious Weakness by Alia Joy* Tattoos on the Heart by Gregory Boyle Connect with Shannan: * Facebook* Instagram* Twitter* Website Recent Episodes: * Rita Soronen: President & CEO, Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption* Bobbi McCormick: Letting God Lead When Life Doesn’t Go as Planned* Jess Ekstrom: CEO & Founder of ‘Headbands of Hope’ Paves the Way for Women

Lauren Enriquez has dedicated her life to the pro-life movement, working first with Students for Life and now with the Human Coalition as a communications director. In today’s episode, I speak this love, passionate and articulate mother of four littles, about why she care so deeply about transforming our culture of death into a culture of life. She’s got some really important things to say — and a few of them might be new information to listeners. I encourage you to listen with an open mind, even if you don’t consider yourself pro-life. I was a lot more talkative than normal in this episode, but wanted to have a truly open, honest conversation about an issue I care deeply about as well. Enjoy this great chat with Lauren! What we talked about: * The Human Coalition* Students for Life* Ben Shapiro Podcast* Michael O’Brien books* “Surviving Infant Loss” episode of “Worth Your Time” Connect with Lauren: * Twitter* Instagram* Facebook Recent Episodes: * Rita Soronen, CEO & President, Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption* Bobbi McCormick: Letting God Lead When Life Doesn’t Go as Planned* Jess Ekstrom: CEO & Founder of ‘Headbands of Hope’ Paves the Way for Women DON’T MISS: We had a birthday! Don’t miss my Top 10 Episodes of the year!

Rita Soronen has been working on behalf of vulnerable children for decades and has been doing so for the Dave Thomas Foundation for many of those years. Today I spoke with her about why the work DTFA does is *so* vital right now — and what moves her to dedicate her life to this cause. You’ve heard of Dave Thomas, the founder of Wendy’s restaurant? What you may not know is that he left a way more important legacy than hamburger’s when he died. The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption is the only public nonprofit charity in the United States that is focused exclusively on foster care adoption. It’s National Adoption Month and the reason I was so pumped to speak with Rita is because DTFA has found a way to get older kids adopted out of foster care at higher rates than in the past. This is an incredible accomplishment and so important for these kids, who too often linger in the system until adulthood, only to then suffer awful hardships like addiction, homelessness, depression and more. To move the needle for this demographic is a massive accomplishment and we need to get the message out there. Through their “Wendy’s Wonderful Kids” program, they are truly making a difference. Listen in and see how you can be a part of this important change. What we talked about: * Dave Thomas Foundation* Wendy’s Wonderful Kids* Children’s Rights* DC Family & Youth Initiative* Marian Wright Edelman* Just Mercy Connect with Rita & DTFA: * Facebook* Twitter (DTFA)* Twitter (personal)* Instagram Recent Episodes: * Bobbi McCormick: Letting God Lead When Life Doesn’t Go as Planned* Jess Ekstrom: CEO & Founder of ‘Headbands of Hope’ Paves the Way for Women* Stephanie Lobdell: Where is God in the Everyday Struggle?

Bobbi McCormick is such a breath of fresh air! She lives up to her online persona, bringing joy and optimism into our conversation. We met years ago through the blogging world and I’ve followed her story through infertility, foster care, adoption and more. I loved Bobbi’s perspective about “getting comfortable with being uncomfortable” and truly following God’s lead in those moments when we have no idea what to do. She’s fresh off of adopting her second child and deep into a “debt free by 40” plan a la Dave Ramsay. Bobbi is a fitness instructor with Revelation Wellness, marathon runner, preschool teacher and an inspiration through it all. In today’s conversation, we discuss what it was like to discover infertility, to walk through adoption and put her faith in God without knowing what was next. What we talked about: * Bobbi’s website* Revelation Wellness* Glorious in the Mundane with Christy Nockels* Go and Tell Gals podcast with Jess Connelly* Rhythms for Life podcast with Rebekah Lyons* You are the Girl for the Job by Jess Connelly* Come Matter Here by Hannah Brencher Connect with Bobbi: * Instagram* Facebook* Twitter Recent Episodes: * Jess Ekstrom: CEO & Founder of ‘Headbands of Hope’ Paves the Way for Women* Stephanie Lobdell: Where is God in the Everyday Struggle?* Loving Immigrants and Refugees: Briana Stensrud of ‘Welcome’

Jess Ekstrom’s new book, “Chasing the Bright Side” is the perfect title for her personality. Though we haven’t met in person, she radiates light in conversation and I’ve learned so much from her online course helping women learn to hone their speaking skills. Jess started an amazing company, “Headbands of Hope” when she was in college and it’s still thriving today, bringing style to many and plenty of headbands for children suffering from cancer. She’s got an amazing entrepreneurial story in today’s episode — one that makes you wonder how she had the gumption to keep going. But she did and the world is better for it. Since founding her company, Jess has become a sought after speaker on the conference circuit. She’s built a career out of professional speaking jobs and is now training other women to do the same. I learned from Jess that people are dying to get more female speakers and we’ve got a gap to fill, friends. We’ve also got money to make in doing so, so don’t sell yourself short! I really just enjoyed chatting with Jess today. She’s fun, genuine and truly encouraged me to keep reaching for those speaking goals I have. What we talked about: * Headbands of Hope* Mic Drop Workshop* Chasing the Bright Side (book)* Everything is Figureotable by Marie Forleo* That Will Never Work by Marc Randolph Connect with Jess: * Facebook* Twitter* Instagram Recent Episodes: * Stephanie Lobdell: Where is God in the Everyday Struggle?* Loving Immigrants and Refugees: Briana Stensrud of ‘Welcome’* A Cancer Warrior’s Legacy: Kelly Trent on Her Son Tyler’s Life

Today’s interview got me thinking really hard. I wasn’t expecting to come with such profound revelations after speaking with author and pastor Stephanie Lobdell, but I surely did. You can see how part of that played out in my recent (vulnerability alert) Instagram post here. Stephanie’s book, “Signs of Life: Resurrecting Hope out of Ordinary Losses” tackles some tough issues. While we love a good redemption story, most of us are not in the middle of extreme life traumas 24 hours a day. Most of us are dealing with the everyday battles: depression, negativity, infertility, self-image, busy-ness, stress, anxiety — you name it. It’s nice to celebrate the Resurrection at Easter, but how about remembering why it matters everyday? Stephanie admits her book doesn’t necessarily cover the great tragedies of life, but the struggles that everyone can relate to. How do we get through when it feels so difficult? She gets honest about her battle with depression and her journey towards ministry leadership. I really appreciated Stephanie’s perspective and walked away with a load of things to consider. What We Talked About: * Signs of Life — Stephanie’s book* Light From Distant Stars by Shawn Smucker* The New Jim Crow* Let the Bones Dance Connect with Stephanie: * Facebook* Twitter* Instagram* Website Recent Episodes: * Loving Immigrants and Refugees: Briana Stensrud of ‘Welcome’* A Cancer Warrior’s Legacy: Kelly Trent on Her Son Tyler’s Life* Achieving Impossible Dreams: The Atlantic’s Elaina Plott on the Record

There’s a tide turning in the United States. It’s not as loud as partisan media voices blasting from the TV, but it matters more. Briana Stensrud is helping make way for Christian women to embrace what it means to be fully pro-life, specifically as it relates to welcoming immigrants and refugees. She helps lead Welcome, a community of women committed to creating a movement of Christ-like welcome in our country. It all goes back to loving the sojourner, Biblical hospitality, believing in the Imago Dei (every human created in God’s image), our call to be peacemakers and to continually invite the orphan, widow, marginalized and oppressed into love and safety. It was interesting speaking with Briana about her work within the traditional pro-life space as it relates to ending abortion, and seeing how she transitioned to focusing on a larger, comprehensive pro-life ethic. I loved when she said, “You cannot scripturally justify prioritizing one vulnerable population over another.” She has a Masters in Biblical and Theological studies from Dallas Theological Seminary so the woman knows what she’s talking about when it comes to scripture. What we talked about: * Welcome* Who is Welcome Here documentary* She Reads Truth* Love Does by Bob Goff* Welcome Instagram Connect with Briana: * Twitter* Facebook* Instagram Recent Episodes: * A Cancer Warrior’s Legacy: Kelly Trent on Her Son Tyler’s Life* Achieving Impossible Dreams: The Atlantic’s Elaina Plott on the Record* Hospitality and Loving Others Well: Leslie Verner’s Beautiful Call

There are some interviews that make you step back and take a deep breath. That’s how I felt before picking up the phone to speak with Kelly Trent, the mother of Tyler Trent — a young man many became familiar with in 2018 when his battle with cancer went public. It wasn’t his plan to make it so, but his invigorating spirit and zest for life couldn’t be contained. Tyler became known as a Purdue superfan, as he decked out for Purdue football games even as he was extremely sick with Osteosarcoma. The team took notice of him — but it wasn’t just the fandom. Tyler’s faith was a tangible part of his life, establishing his hope in something greater than this world. When he received a second diagnosis of cancer after being in remission for two years, he decided this time around would be worth something. It was then he began a journey towards raising millions for cancer research, offering hope for others battling this awful disease and finding strength and resilience in the people around him, God and the things he loved most in life. To say it was a privilege to speak with the incredible woman who raised Tyler would be an understatement. Kelly took the time to share her heart with me, walk listeners through Tyler’s cancer journey and talk to us about what it means even though he ultimately lost is life in early 2019. It can be hard to comprehend how someone walks through the sickness and death of a child. It can be hard to understand how they continue to rely on God when everything feels like its falling apart. Listen is as Kelly talks about how her family — and Tyler — accomplished this even as death stood at their door. What we talked about: * The Upset by Tyler Trent* When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi* Tyler receiving the ESPN award* Streams in the Desert book* Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy by Mark Vroegop* Nothing is Wasted Ministries (we didn’t talk about this, but it is a good resource for those going through many kinds of grief) Connect with Kelly: * Facebook* Twitter* Instagram Recent Episodes: * Achieving Impossible Dreams: The Atlantic’s Elaina Plott on the Record* Hospitality and Loving Others Well: Leslie Verner’s Beautiful Call* Combatting Lies Women Believe: Lisa Graft’s Inspiring Vision

Elaina Plott is the White House Correspondent for one of the best magazines in the country, The Atlantic. She’s a fantastic writer with the right sense of curiosity and detail to capture the unique essence of a story or pen a brilliant profile. At only 26, she’s got bylines in places you may only dream of (GQ, Harpers Bazaar, etc.) and now finds herself on staff at a magazine freelancers are dying to get a their names inside of. She joins brilliant journalists from the past 100+ years in putting together this monthly publication covering politics, culture and humanity from the most interesting, thoughtful angles you will find. I was fortunate enough to work with Elaina when we were both at National Review magazine and have followed her work ever since. It was incredible to speak with her today about her career trajectory, how her faith sustaints her, how she remains fair and balanced and some of her best-kept writing secrets. You know I indulged her a little in some of those more specific questions about finding the story, grabbing the right details and writing a beautiful lede. It’s always fascinating to go behind-the-scenes with a someone inside the hustle and bustle of the news-making craft and I certainly appreciate every bit of insight from Elaina in today’s interview. What we talked about: * Heidi Cruz profile* Ivanka Trump profile* Climate Change Casualties story (Pacific Standard)* The Night Of* Jeannie Berlin* Succession* American Carnage by Tim Alberta* The Patron Saint of Liars by Ann Patchett Connect with Elaina * Twitter* Facebook* Instagram Recent Episodes: * Hospitality and Loving Others Well: Leslie Verner’s Beautiful Call* Combatting Lies Women Believe: Lisa Graft’s Inspiring Vision* Faith, Fitness & Freedom: How Amia Freeman Was Rescued

Hospitality is making a comeback — or perhaps really trending for the first time in America. I have caught the bug, being inspired to love my neighbors (both literal and stranger) as a way to show kindness and God’s love. Leslie Verner has taken it up a notch — living out a life of hospitality in beautiful ways — taking from things she learned living 5 years overseas in China and traveling the world. She’s not only tangibly living out love — by inviting refugee friends into her home, welcoming lonely mom friends to a group outing, making food and offering a place of rest to new church members (to name a few things) — she wrote about it all in her new book, “Invited: The Power of Hospitality an Age of Loneliness.” The book is full of simple stories of welcome and kindness, and offers statistics and anecdotes about hospitality around the world. I found myself surprised at multiple bits and revved to ensure I don’t allow anyone I meet to feel unseen. Leslie is a gorgeous writer — and I can’t say that about every book I read. If you can appreciate a beautiful sentence with words in all the right places, almost singing a song with the way it is written, you will totally indulge in this book. A mother of three young children, she also addresses how we can be there for others even when life is busy and chaotic. The reality is that we can’t afford not to be hospitable and there are a TON of ways to do it, things you probably don’t even realize. As Christians, I think this concept is one of the most important, especially as people become more isolated, depressed and lonely in a technological culture. Seriously, take some notes and get the book. Leslie and I also chat about writing, the creative process, finding time and what it means to feel called to be a writer. Oh man, I could have chatted with her all day! What we talked about: * Leslie’s Blog: Scraping Raisins * Invited: The Power of Hospitality in an Age of Loneliness* This is the Story of a Happy Marriage by Ann Patchett* Walking on Water by Madeline L’Engle* Deep Creek by Pam Houston* Writers on Writing Podcast* The Writer Files Podcast* Ann Kroeker, Writing Coach Connect with Leslie: * Facebook* Twitter* Instagram Recent Episodes: * Combatting Lies Women Believe: Lisa Graft’s Inspiring Vision

Lisa Graft’s vision and enthusiasm for leading women is infectious. In the beginning of our conversation, I knew her only from her movement, I Am Mother of the Year. By the end, I realized her passion, drive and goals reach far beyond local moms — she has a message for women across the country. Aside from being amazed at everything Lisa accomplishes (and doing it while also prioritizing 9 hours of sleep!), I was incredibly moved by how she’s listened for and heard the voice of God guiding her in what she does. She’s recognized her calling and gone for it. This isn’t about building a following for her. It’s about pursuing a dream God put in her heart to reach women — often moms specifically — about the lies they too often believe about themselves. In a world where Instagram perfection can be difficult for those of scrolling through everyday, Lisa has a different approach. What we talked about: * I Am Mother of the Year* I Am Mother of the Year Facebook Group* Loving Our Kids on Purpose by Danny Silk* What’s True About You Guided Journal* The Happy Hour with Jamie Ivey* That Sounds Fun with Annie Downs Connect with Lisa: * Instagram* Facebook Recent Episodes: * Faith, Fitness & Freedom: How Amia Freeman Was Rescued* A Purpose-Filled Life: Nadine McGowan on Helping Women Thrive* Rina Shah: Empowering Women to Lead in Business, Politics and Motherhood

Amia Freeman had no idea when she went to an aerobics class many years ago, that it ultimately change her life in an incredible way. In the end, fitness helped her come to know God and get rid of the baggage she’d been carrying in her life for years. In today’s episode, we discuss her childhood growing up with an alcoholic father, the rough years of early motherhood and the way God works through our issues when we move our bodies. As Amia put it in a recent post: “Listen when you refuse to move your body you’ve decided to keep whatever is inside of you stuck.“ For years, Amia has been using and preaching the value and association of pairing fitness with faith. Then, she lost the use of her legs in a strange, stress-related incident related to some things she hadn’t overcome emotionally in her life. We talk about that and how she moved forward, walked again and then found Revelation Wellness, where she now works. It’s a pretty amazing story — and one that is certainly worth your time. What We Talked About: * Revelation Wellness* Amia’s blog* Lauren Daigle: Rescue* Heir to the Crown* The Road Back to You (Enneagram)* I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings Connect with Amia: * Facebook* Twitter* Instagram Recent Episodes: * A Purpose-Filled Life: Nadine McGowan on Helping Women Thrive* Rina Shah: Empowering Women to Lead in Business, Politics and Motherhood* Rachael Denhollander Speaks: Justice Matters

Nadine McGowan has energy, passion and drive I only wish I did. Two years into being a Mom, God gave her a vision of helping women find their purpose — and she followed that vision to the mountaintop without even knowing how she would would do it. The end result was the creation of Purposeful Living, INC (the INC actually stands for “in Christ!”), where women in the Indianapolis area can find support groups, networking events, empowerment meetings, life coaching and more, at no cost for the most part. Of course this means, PLINC is a non-profit that requires many volunteers and generous donations, which is all part of what God has provided for Nadine to live out this mission. In this episode, we discuss how Nadine was a trip to South Africa working with women there when she realized she needed to help women here when she got back. Women in the Hamilton County area aren’t physically poor, like those she met in South Africa, nor do they fit the “needy” stereotype you might expect a non-profit to serve. But, poverty comes mentally, emotionally and spiritually as well — and every woman can suffer in that way. I love what Nadine says here: “By serving this demographic, because they have resources, because they are educated, when they can get ‘on purpose,’ they can impact the world so much more…and get out and do what they’re called to do.” The materially privileged are those that have the means to make a huge world impact, but if they are off-kilter and unable to find their purpose, they may not be able to do everything their privilege would allow them to. We must serve everyone and Nadine has found this very specific, incredible purpose in serving this group. What We Talked About: * Purposeful Living INC* Linking Arms podcast* PLINC Conference 2019 Connect with Nadine: * Facebook* Twitter* Instagram Recent Episodes: * Rina Shah: Empowering Women to Lead in Business, Politics and Motherhood* Rachael Denhollander Speaks: Justice Matters* Surviving Infant Loss: Brooke Martin’s Beautiful Deliverance

It was honor to speak with Helen Raleigh for this week’s episode of the podcast. Helen is a immigrant to the United States from China. She came here with nothing but a dream of education and opportunity that her parents and grandparents never had. Her story is sure to inspire you. In this episode, I talk to Helen about some of the unbelievable abuses she and her family suffered under Communism — and about why she believes America still offers the greatest opportunity for success in the world. We discuss everything from China’s one-child policy to her thoughts on Presidential candidates presenting socialism as a viable option (and why she’s against it), as well as how she views white supremacy in this country today. She also tells about what’s going on in Hong Kong and why’s it’s so important we support the protestors there. Helen’s humble and hard-working roots are nothing but uplifting and full of hope. It was so incredible to get her honest take on issues. It was also a privilege to bring you this episode on behalf of the Steamboat Institute, where Helen and I first met. What We Talked About: * Helen’s book: Confucius Never Said * Helen’s book: The Broken Welcome Mat* Helen’s WSJ op/ed on her Grandfather* Titan: The Life of John D. Rockefeller* Hardcore History Podcast Connect with Helen: * Twitter* Facebook Recent Episodes: * Rina Shah: Empowering Women to Lead in Business, Politics and Motherhood* Rachael Denhollander Speaks: Justice Matters* Surviving Infant Loss: Brooke Martin’s Beautiful Deliverance

Rina Shah became a friend the moment I met her. We both have children ages 3 and 1 — and became moms after building our careers. It can be a hard transition, but we wouldn’t have it any other way. Rina is a powerhouse in all the ways: She’s built a business, a non-profit, help run a campaign and is serious about bringing more women into leadership positions in politics and business. She’s also passionate about diversifying the Republican Party — as a woman of Indian decent — and values conversation, moderation and ideas. She received some flack from pushing back against Trump 2016 and worked for the Independent candidate, Evan McMullin. We talk in this interview about valuing policies that work but keeping character in mind as well. She founded Women’s Public Leadership Network, something everyone should take note of! She has an incredible family story — of where her parents came from and why she claims the title of “conservative” — and it’s worth tuning in just for that. Enjoy this conversation with Rina Shah! What we talked about: * Women’s Public Leadership Network* Elevate PAC (Rep. Elise Stefanik’s group)* Right Now Women PAC* Catalyst* Love Your Enemies by Arthur Brooks* The Conservative Heart by Arthur Brooks* Condoleezza Rice answers question on race (VIDEO) Connect with Rina: * Twitter